Finding the most comprehensive insurance policy for high-risk clients can be a challenge for insurance brokers but advising clients on risk management techniques can help reduce the liabilities these clients face. When dealing with firefighting agencies, there are several concerns that extend beyond the immediate task of fighting a fire or staying safe while en route to the scene of a blaze. Fireground operations have a significant occupational cancer risk and addressing these exposures through insurance coverage and reduced exposure will benefit your client’s health and safety.
The Exposure Risks
The leading cause of line-of-duty deaths for firefighters is occupational acquired cancer. The working environment for these men and women is filled with both known and unknown toxins, carcinogens, chemicals and infectious diseases. In spite of the use of personal protective equipment, there is still a serious risk of contact with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, hydrocyanide and volatile organic compounds. These particles can even be absorbed through the PPE or be transferred to the skin when the PPE is removed. Knowing the exposure concerns will help inform best practices, and you can encourage your clients to comply with safety policies.
The Reduction of Risks
Fireground risks of toxin and other carcinogenic exposures can never be completely eliminated, but these risks can be reduced. In addition to having each member of the squad or team prioritizing their health whether on or off the job, always maintaining the proper use of PPE can help minimize exposure to toxins. Establishing a strategy of best practices will also aid in the reduction of risks.
Practice Decontamination
It is important that firefighters removed contaminated gear as quickly as possible and wipe off their neck, hands and face as soon as they are able. It is also imperative that firefighters shower upon returning to the station to remove any toxins on their skin or hair. Cleaning wipes are useful for a quick wipe down while on the fireground, but not all products remove 100% of contaminants. A soap and water-based decontamination that scrubs the skin removes over three-fourths of possible contaminants when compared to one-fourth of the contaminants removed by brushing off materials or the skin.
Control Exposure
There is an inhalation hazard associated with the production of off-gasses from protective gear when worn or stored in an enclosed area. The hazardous levels of gasses will mostly dissipate within 24 minutes of moving into an open-air environment, so it is important for PPE to be removed and decontaminated as quickly as possible. Encourage firefighters to use nitrile gloves to reduce exposure. Recommend that all firefighters avoid wearing their PPE inside their vehicle or storing it inside. Bagging the items and transporting them in an exterior compartment is safer.
The Role of the Broker
You can encourage your firefighting clients to evaluate their current decontamination procedures and toxin exposure risks. When these are understood, a risk management strategy can be initiated.
About Provident Fire Plus
At Provident Fire Plus, we offer custom tailored packages to best protect firefighters and volunteer firefighters. We understand the risks that emergency response teams are subjected to on a daily basis, and have worked to serve these dedicated professionals for over 87 years. For more information about our products and policies, we invite you to contact our experts today at (855) 201-8880.